Sports

To participate in interscholastic sports at the middle school level, all students must complete the following: 

• Review information about the sport. Details about the sport, coaches, required physicals, fees & payments, tryouts for "cut" sports, season schedules, practices, transportation, conference games/tournaments, and equipment can be found on the sports tabs.

• Complete the Registration Form. Complete the electronic registration form with signed parental agreements, emergency medical authorization, concussion information, and code of conduct contract agreements.

• Pay the Activity Fee. Interscholastic sports fees are $100/student/sport/year. This fee includes the cost of uniforms/jerseys and shorts.

  • Once the roster is finalized, the $100 fee will be posted to the child's PowerSchool account and can be paid through the Parent Portal.

  • Sports fee waivers are based on free and reduced-price lunch eligibility.

  • There is no fee for tryouts.
     

Uniforms are provided by District 15 for the season and must be returned in good shape at the end of the season. If a uniform is damaged or not returned, a replacement fee will be added to your Parent Portal. Uniform prices range from $40 to $100, depending on the sport.

Practices & Games are scheduled after school Monday-Thursday, from 2:15-3:45 pm (unless there is a scheduled game or inclement weather).

Conference & Non-Conference Games are scheduled Monday-Thursday and begin at approximately 3:15 pm. There is an All-District Tournament for each sport. There may be tournament/invitational games/meets Monday - Saturday.

Activity Bus. An activity bus is available for no charge for students who wish to participate in after-school activities.

• On tryout and practice days, students can take the activity bus home. The activity bus departs at 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be no activity bus the day before a major holiday or when after-school activities are canceled due to inclement weather. Parents should be aware that activity bus stops are not always the same as the student’s regular bus stop.
• On game days, students will be transported from their home school to the game location. Parents may take the student home from the game location after notifying their coach. All other students will be transported back to their home school for pick-up. No transportation to the student’s home is available on game/meet days. Activity buses do not return for students who are at athletic events/competitions that run past 4:15 p.m. Parents who have students in interscholastic sports will have to pick their child up from the school when the event is over.
• On tournament days, transportation is only provided for the 1st games scheduled each day. No return buses on any tournament days.
   

Weather Safety. District 15 sports follows the IHSA Playing It Safe in the Heat Guidelines for playing safe in the heat, and is aligned with the Hazardous Weather Conditions Guidelines of our surrounding high school districts for the safety and wellbeing of our students.

Practice or game cancelations will be communicated to parents via text message alerts and email notifications using District 15's mass notification system. Please check Campus Parent to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Tryout (Cut) Sports
A tryout system is used to select student athletes for volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student is welcome to tryout for these sports. Teams are made of a 6th/7th grade team and a 7th/8th grade team.  

No-Cut Sports
Cross-country, wrestling, and track and field are “no-cut” sports open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.  

Students MUST have a current Physical Examination Form or an IESA Sport Physical Form on file in the school office in order to tryout and participate in a sport. (A regular annual physical OR a sports physical can be used.) Physicals are valid for 13 months.

• A sports physical can be submitted by either:
  • Submitting the IESA Sport Physical Form. Please note that the IESA Sport Physical Form can ONLY be used for sports. It cannot be accepted as a Physical Examination for grade entry requirements. 
  • Submitting the Physical (Health) Examination Form for grade entry requirements, and in the section "On the basis of the examination on this day, I approve this child's participation in" make sure the box for "Interscholastic Sports" is checked "YES".

Please check the date of the physical and plan for updates accordingly as some may need to take place mid-year.

Updated physicals may be emailed or dropped off at your school office. Doctor's offices can fax them to the school nurse.

Visit TeensHealth for more information about Sports Physicals. A sports physical is also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE). The sports history and exam helps to tell if it's safe for your child to participate in sports.

To be read and signed by parent or guardian of the participating student:

I understand that all sports can involve many risks of injury. In consideration of School District 15 permitting my child to participate in either the District 15 Intramural or Interscholastic programs, I agree to hold District 15, its employees, agents, coaches, Board members and volunteers harmless from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, debts, claims or demands of any kind and nature whatsoever that may arise by, or in connection with the participation of my child in any sport or activity. I assume all responsibility and certify that my child is in good physical health and is capable of participation in any CCSD15 Intramural or Interscholastic program, inclusive of training and competitions.

Parent/Student Agreement to ParticipatE Form

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You cannot see a concussion and most sport concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Adapted from the CDC and the 3rd International Conference  on Concussion in Sport Document created 7/1/2011 

Students/Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young student/athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the student/athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage students/athletes will often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of students/athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators is the key to a student’s/athlete’s safety. 

If you Think your Child has Suffered a Concussion 

Any student/athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No student/athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance from a physician. Close observation of the student/athlete should continue for several hours. Written documentation must be provided from the evaluating physician upon diagnosis in order to return to learn and to return to play. Also, inform your child’s school (administrators, nurse, classroom teacher, physical education teacher, coach) if you think that your child may have suffered a concussion. Remember, it is better to miss one game than miss the whole season. When in doubt, the student/athlete sits out. 

• For current and up-to-date information on concussions, visit the CDC website HEADS UP to Youth Sports page.
• For a video on concussion information, visit the CDC website HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Cuncussion Training page.

Students who experience a forceful impact believed to have caused a concussion, who are exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, will be removed from:

• athletic practices,
• competition,
• physical education class,
• recess,
• other physical activities during the school day, or
• in school-sponsored after-school activities.

The student may resume these activities after successful completion of the return-to-play protocol, in addition to a medical release from the licensed physician who has treated the student. Students exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion after injury during activities will be immediately removed from these activities. The district’s return-to-learn protocol guides school staff on accommodations needed, including cognitive rest, for students recovering from a concussion.

In District 15, we believe that extracurricular activities are an important part of a student's total academic experience and encourage participation. All students are expected to make a commitment to academic success their first priority. The purpose of this contract is to outline the expectations and responsibilities of students participating in extracurricular activities. Participation in D15 extracurricular programs is a privilege. Student athletes participating in the program should maintain an awareness that they are representing not just the school, but their families and community as well.

To participate in extracurricular athletic activities, the guidelines listed below should be followed:

• I will be current with all required coursework and maintain passing grades.
• I will actively display Good Sportsmanship and follow PBIS guidelines throughout the school day, at practices, and at events.
• I will attend all practices unless excused by the coach.
• I will have a current physical on file with the school nurse prior to the first day of tryouts. It is the students' and families' responsibility to check with the school nurse prior to tryouts to make sure the student's physical is on file and up to date.
• I will dress appropriately on all event days as explained by the coach.
• I will respect and follow all directions from the coach, referee, or other supervisors.
• I understand that school attendance is mandatory for at least half the school day on the date of competition or practice. This includes absences due to a doctor's appointment. If I am absent as the result of illness, I understand that I cannot participate. Exceptions are made when attending a funeral.
• To ensure my safety, I understand that if I am unable to participate in Physical Education coursework, then I am also unable to participate in extra-curricular activities that include any physical movement.
• I understand that failure to meet these obligations will result in consequences ranging from student conferences to removal from practices, or removal from the team.
• I agree to participate in extra-curricular activities with adherence to the CCSD15 Code of Conduct.

Click here for the CCSD15 Athletic Code of Conduct form

1. Head to head play
2. Highest point differential
3. Total point differential vs. other District 15 schools

Each student athlete will:

• Will not be failing any class or have a D in more than one class to be academically eligible for the week. At the start of the second week of ineligibility, the student may be removed from the team at the discretion of the principal and coach.
• Display respectful and appropriate behavior at all times in line with building PBIS policies and show good sportsmanship.
• Sign and return the D15 Code of Conduct Contract. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, compliance with the Code of Conduct is required.
• Attend at least half the school day on the day of competition or practice. This includes absences due to a doctor’s appointment. Exceptions are made when attending a funeral.
• Participate in P.E. in order to participate in any after-school scholastics or intramural activities.
• Wear proper athletic shoes and socks. Wear the appropriate team uniform that is provided. Understand that, in the event the assigned uniform is damaged or lost, the parent/guardian must replace the uniform at the current replacement cost.

Parents/guardians of a student athlete will:

• Have all forms and fees to coach prior to the first non-conference competition.
• Submit the following documents prior to tryouts:
  • A current physical for your child should be on file with the school nurse. Physicals are valid for 13 months.
• Return these documents prior to the first practice (they will be provided at tryouts):
  • Emergency Medical Authorization Card
  • Concussion Information Form
  • CCSD15 Code of Conduct Contract
• Provide proper athletic shoes and socks.
• Replace uniform at the current replacement cost in the event the assigned uniform is damaged or lost. A team uniform will be provided for the student athlete.
• Pick up your child promptly at the end of the event.
• Communicate with the coach if the student athlete will be leaving an event with someone else, and who the responsible party will be.
• Communicate any concerns directly to the coach prior to or after an event—not during an event.
• Maintain good sportsmanship.

According to IESA, the Illinois Elementary School Association, and IHSA, the Illinois High School Association:

“Sportsmanship is playing fair, taking a loss or defeat without complaint, not gloating when winning, and generally treating opponents and officials with courtesy, generosity, and fairness.”

Student athletes, parents, and others attending interscholastic sporting events will:

• Applaud during the introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
• Accept all decisions of officials.
• Treat the competition as a game, not a war.
• Applaud the performance of ALL participants at the end of the contest. Shake hands with the other team.

We realize that the Middle School athletic events are fun to attend and we have enjoyed having spectators come to the games. If students choose to attend away games, it's expected that a parent comes with the students to the game and stay the entire time.   

The CHAMPS expectations for spectator behavior are the same at each school in the district. Please remember you are a representative of your school when visiting another school.